On the plane, seeing his boss's weary look, Chen Xin ordered a cup of tea.
"Boss, still not recovered from yesterday's dinner? Drink some tea. Back home, we say tea helps with hangovers."
Eric took a sip and said, "Ask for a pillow or something. I pulled my back yesterday and need something to support it."
Sitting by the window, Eric rubbed the sore spot and quietly cursed. The saying "At thirty, like a wolf, at forty, like a tiger" suddenly felt all too real last night.
Note: "At thirty, like a wolf, at forty, like a tiger" (三十如狼,四十如虎) is a Chinese proverb. It refers to the period when women, between the ages of thirty and forty, reach their peak of energy and sexual desire.
When Liu Xiaoli undressed, Eric immediately understood what the "deal" would involve. While it wasn't entirely accurate, it did indeed involve several hundred million.
Last night, under the influence of alcohol, coupled with memories of the Chinese entertainment industry from his previous life, his desire grew stronger. And after a week without release, it was tough for a young man to resist. Think of high school and college students who...
In short, Eric couldn't resist Liu Xiaoli's temptation.
This mature woman did not disappoint him. Her experience as a dancer made her incredibly flexible, and some of her moves even surprised the seasoned Eric.
They were at it until 6 AM, and her skills surpassed even those of Eline Olsen. Eric was exhausted, and as Liu Xiaoli left, she gave him a playful glance, promising a continuation.
At that moment, he realized he'd been used. He slept for less than an hour and now felt utterly drained. His plan was to sleep soundly on the plane.
As for Liu Yifei, Eric remained firm: one night didn't mean he owed anything. Hollywood was open, but only if she found a good martial arts coach and improved her acting skills. In two years, when she turned eighteen, and if she succeeded in these areas and became famous in China, MGM might sign her for a project. What that project and role would be would depend on her progress and her mother's efforts.
These verbal promises were Liu Yifei's future insurance. After all, it was just one night, and judging by Liu Xiaoli's satisfied expression, it wasn't clear who had lost out.
...
Los Angeles, International Airport.
After a good sleep, Eric felt much better. Following the long flight, he hadn't eaten, and now his stomach growled with hunger.
Driver Peter parked the car and helped Chen Xin load the gifts from China into the trunk.
"Boss, where to?"
Looking at the time, Eric saw it wasn't even 7:30 yet. He planned to head straight to the film set.
Filming for Transformers had been ongoing for two months, progressing quickly thanks to Eric's efforts. The outdoor scenes were completed, and only studio scenes remained. The crew had returned to Los Angeles.
Initially, Eric planned to visit the set after landing, surprise Gal Gadot, and then spend the night with Chloë Sevigny. But Liu Xiaoli's interference had changed his plans, and now he decided to first visit his mom—the one woman who had always loved him unconditionally.
The car headed to Beverly Hills. With gifts in hand, Eric burst into the house.
"Surprise!"
In the living room, his father was watching TV, while his mom and the housekeeper were preparing dinner.
Hearing his voice, they jumped, but upon seeing Eric, they smiled warmly.
His mother put down a plate and, coming over, hugged him.
A week ago, she had been angry with her son for his romance with a woman ten years his senior, even if she was a famous actress. But when she heard Eric had gone to China, all that was left in her heart was worry and concern.
"My boy, I'm so glad to see you safe! Thank God!"
"Yes, thank God!"
Eric kissed his mother and set the gifts on the table.
"I didn't just come back; I brought you souvenirs too. I'm going to take a shower, and you can unpack them. Then tell me what you think."
He went upstairs, and after a shower, came down in comfortable clothes. His mom was admiring a silk scarf.
"Eric, this scarf is beautiful. The color is so lovely, and it feels so soft against the skin."
Eric walked over and tied the scarf properly around her neck.
"Mom, this is the right way to wear it. It's made from the finest silk. You'll be the center of attention at any party."
His mother laughed.
"Thank you, Eric. You're always so thoughtful. But Joshua... He's never brought us anything from San Francisco!"
"Yes, Joshua is terrible. And, Mom, I've heard that their team has bad habits, especially between the players and the cheerleaders. Be careful."
Mentioning Joshua, Eric couldn't help but tease him.
His father was holding a bottle of Chinese wine, examining it under the light.
"What are these things floating in the wine? Eric, what is this?"
Eric smiled mysteriously.
"I'm not exactly sure, but they're supposed to be good for you. Drink it with dinner—you'll feel the effect."
"Effect? What effect?" his father asked curiously.
"I can't tell you. You'll feel it yourself."
"All right, let's see what kind of miracle drink you've brought me," his father laughed.
This bottle was indeed a precious gift, specially prepared for him by Han Sanping before Eric left. It was a unique recipe meant to boost health, perfectly suited for those in the entertainment industry who faced high levels of stress.
Even the sweet young housekeeper thanked Eric. He had brought her a set of traditional Chinese figurines: the Great Sage, Nezha, Erlang Shen, and others. These items were quite popular among the youth.
At the dinner table, father and son began discussing the events that had transpired over the past week at MGM.
"Eric, the film Whale Rider that you purchased at Sundance has already been pulled from theaters. Its final global box office gross was $52.3 million," his father said.
"Over $50 million? That's a pleasant surprise. I thought it would barely reach $40 million."
"You should thank New Zealand and Australia. The revenue from those countries surpassed the European totals, which is not common. In the end, we made a little profit," his father laughed.
"HBO has already aired the pilot of The Walking Dead. Zach Thomas called me and said it was a real hit."
"According to the feedback, 87% of subscribers expressed anticipation for the series. Some people think it's too scary and might frighten children, so they've suggested airing it after 10 PM when kids are asleep."
"And what's Thomas's opinion?" Eric asked.
"That old dog is begging us to work hard on the following episodes. The premiere is set for April 15, of course, in prime time."
"HBO isn't foolish. They won't lose 90% of their audience because of 10%. If kids get scared by zombies, that's the parents' problem. All of America knows HBO is famous for its bold shows."
"Eric, you may be new to this industry, but Zach Thomas and I have known each other for years. This is the first time he's ever asked me for anything. Remembering that call still makes me feel overjoyed," his father chuckled.
Meanwhile, Eric's mother was slicing bread.
"It doesn't matter how long you've been in this industry. Your father and Zach Thomas were classmates. Zach was on the school team, and your father used to bring him water."
Eric couldn't hold back his laughter. It seemed his father had experienced some hard times in school and was now relishing this moment.
His father shot his mother a playful glare, as if scolding her for sharing too much, and quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, the production department has started casting for Get Out. I have a candidate for the lead role of the Black guy."
Eric, chewing on a piece of chicken, looked up.
"He's a young actor recommended by an old friend of mine—his agent. He auditioned for Transformers, but I turned him down then. I can't refuse him twice."
"What's his name? How old is he? What has he been in?"
"Anthony Mackie. He's under 25 and recently won the Obie Award."
Eric's eyes lit up.
"An Obie Award winner? That guarantees at least some acting chops. Send him to James Wan for auditions. If it's a tough choice, give preference to Mackie."
"Anthony Mackie... Strange, that name sounds familiar."
"Maybe you've seen him in bit roles."
"Possibly."
So far, only Chloë Sevigny had been cast for a role in Get Out. She would play the female lead. Chloë was 27, and she would look good alongside a 25-year-old co-star.
After dinner, father and son stepped out onto the balcony. The topics at the dinner table didn't require secrecy, but now it was time to discuss more confidential matters.
Eric's father finished the last sip of the Chinese wine, grimacing at its sharp taste, his eyes narrowing into slits.
"Eric, if this weren't a gift from you, I wouldn't have drunk a drop. The taste is absolutely brutal!"
Eric laughed, seeing his father's discomfort.
"Dad, soon you'll feel its benefits. How about Robert Solny's shares?"
After catching his breath, his father continued:
"Everything's going smoothly. The guy started selling his shares in DualStar Entertainment. We settled on $315 million."
"Only $315 million? I thought he'd ask for more than $400."
Eric was satisfied with this figure, as it matched DualStar Entertainment's actual value.
"Robert Solny isn't as dumb as we thought. Initially, he wanted $350 million, but under pressure from private funds and competitors, he lowered the price."
"Better this way than bringing in other players," his father nodded.
"In a few days, the contract will be signed, and Solny will leave DualStar Entertainment."
Eric nodded, confident in his father's handling of the situation.
Then his father changed the subject:
"But this purchase has seriously drained our funds. Plus, your investments in China: $20 million now and another $50 million by October."
"We have many projects in development: Transformers, Legally Blonde 2, Barbershop 2, Saw II, A Quiet Place, Happy Death Day, Don't Breathe, The Hangover, Blue Is the Warmest Color, Get Out, The Walking Dead, Frozen, and La Vie en Rose, which you mentioned before leaving."
"Billy is also working on projects like Game of Thrones, American Gods, and House of Cards. We've already spent over $13 million on them."
"You also wanted to create an online platform for films and a social network. I don't understand those things, but I allocated $10 million for a Silicon Valley team."
Eric realized how many projects were in the works simultaneously and that his father had taken on enormous financial obligations without complaining.
He awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Is it too much pressure? How about using the revenue from Sharknado?"
His father smiled.
"Don't worry, son. I'm not complaining. We're managing. It's just a matter of convincing people to pay advances."
"By April 15, when The Walking Dead premieres, I'll demand the rest from Tom. And he won't dare refuse."
"Strange, I feel this heat inside, like a fire burning."
"Charlie, go take a bath, I've already run the water," his mother called.
That voice brought his father back to his younger days.
"I'm coming, darling!"
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